Season 2 Chapter 2: Happy Engagement

[4th Week of March 2021 — Mondragon Mansion — Morning — Day 2]

Accel has now revealed his true identity to the Mondragon Family. Although some individuals, such as William's Vassals and Accel's Military Officers from the 75th Valkyrie Company, are present to witness the discussion, he is willing to take this risk. The reason for his concern is that once the conversation concludes, there is a possibility that William's Vassals may start spreading rumors about Count Winchester's full name. However, Accel trusts his own people completely, as they have sworn strong loyalty to him and he does not expect them to betray him by spreading such rumors.

Raizah didn't hesitate.

With tears still in her eyes, she rushed forward, ignoring everyone around her, and threw her arms around Accel, not caring about his armor.

"Of course, I would be happy to be with you, Accel," she said, her voice breaking with emotion. "I don't care if you're part of the nobility or the military. I love you because you've always been there for me. That's all that matters."

Accel gently lowered his helmet to the floor and wrapped his arms carefully around her.

"Even when I hid everything, I hoped you would still feel the same," he whispered.

"You idiot," she smiled through her tears. "Of course I do."

After that, they returned to the discussion. Count William was very surprised by the true identity of Accel; he had not expected that his daughter was dating Count Winchester. He asked, "Let's set aside the formalities, Sir Accel." Accel agreed, "Of course, Sir William." 

William then posed his question to Accel, "When did you start walking the path of nobility and become part of the military faction?"

Accel replied truthfully, "Two and a half years ago. That's when I began everything according to my plans. If you need proof, you can send a message to Baronet—I'm sorry, I mean Viscount Ishikawa Haruto Kazuyoshi (石川 春人 和義)—where I started my training on the path of nobility." 

Accel then continued to explain the rest of his story over the past two and a half years, which took several hours. He concluded with, "And the latest development is my visit here, to greet your family, as I wish to officially get engaged to your daughter, Count William."

William began to contemplate the situation, although there was no room for discussion. His daughter insisted that she would accept the engagement, regardless of her parents' decision. Because of the strong bond he had with his family, William agreed to the engagement, especially seeing how happy it made Raizah. She hugged Accel again in excitement. Raizah's mother and siblings had no objections to the engagement, as long as she was happy—they would happily accept it.

As the discussion took longer than expected and the sun began to set, Accel instructed all his military officers present to inform the 75th Valkyrie Company to lay down their arms, rest, and enjoy a party. "Vanguard Knight Leo of the 45th Military Rank, I command you to relay this message to the rest of the 75th Valkyrie. Allow them to take a break and have some fun, using only 25% of the military budget to cover the expenses." Vanguard Knight Leo saluted and then left with the other military officers to carry out the orders.

During the night, the entire 75th Valkyrie Company held a party, unaware of its true purpose. They had yet to receive any orders from Accel regarding the engagement, nor had they been informed of his real name. This meant that the military officers were still keeping secrets, including those who had learned the truth from older comrades during Accel's early days when he commanded a squad or platoon.

After dinner, Accel followed a maid to his room, but Raizah unexpectedly tagged along, hoping to sleep with him. Accel declined her offer, and William, her father, intervened, stopping her from attempting to share the room. "But, Father, I've slept with Accel before," she protested. Hearing this, William grabbed Accel by the collar and shouted, "You bastard, how dare you!" 

Accel calmly explained that their last experience of sleeping together had been purely accidental, occurring during one of their dungeon expeditions, and that nothing inappropriate had happened. William eventually calmed down and instructed the maids to take his daughter back to her own room. Before she left with the maids, she leaned in to Accel and whispered, "Are you sure nothing inappropriate occurred?" Raizah stepped back with a smile, while Count William continued to stare at Accel, as if waiting to see whether he had done something wrong.

[Mondragon Territory — Mondragon Gateway 3 — Morning — Day 3]

After having breakfast with the Mondragon family, Raizah decided to accompany Accel back to his home city to meet his parents and siblings regarding their engagement. However, they were shocked to discover that Accel had hidden his identity from his family. "What? You kept your identity a secret from your family???" William exclaimed, slapping his forehead. "I'm not really sure how they will react when they learn the truth. They only know that Count Winchester is the Lord of Meadowville City; they have no idea that the Lord is also their son. I'm at a loss about how to tell them and how to respond."

"Emergency Notification: Knight Supreme Marshal Accel, this is Knight Commander Anthony von Lightborne from the 75th Valkyrie Heavy Infantry Knights. We have spotted a monster rampaging towards the city, identified as a mutated golem that creates hundreds of stone and hard golems. We are in need of assistance, Lord Accel."

The timing was fortunate, as Accel and his 75th Valkyrie Company were about to head home. Just then, Count William spoke up, "Count Accel, I will join you in this matter. The 85th Drakeshire Platoon will support your 75th Valkyrie Company. Additionally, I would like to assess the structural integrity of my future son-in-law's city and meet your parents regarding the engagement."

With no time to hesitate, Accel replied, "Since you are offering assistance, Count William, I will gladly accept." 

With that, Count Accel and Count William, accompanied by their military forces, headed to the teleportation hub. They soon arrived at the beautiful Meadowville City, which had been developed and supported by Count Accel von Winchester.

[Winchester Territory — Meadowville City — Teleportation Hub Entrance]

An hour later, two banners appeared, signaling the arrival of the 75th Valkyrie Company, commanded by Knight Supreme Marshal Winchester, and the 85th Drakeshire Platoon, led by Knight Commander William von Mondragon. A total military force of 2,250 soldiers had arrived, along with an additional 1,000 city guards and patrol units. This combined strength of 3,250 forces was assembled to eliminate the threat to Meadowville City.

Upon arriving in Meadowville City, Accel stepped up to the podium where all 3,250 knights and squires had gathered. He delivered an inspiring speech that boosted the morale of his allies and enhanced their abilities due to his non-passive ability called "Advanced Great Leadership and Morale." With that, he declared, "All the Vanguards and Frontline Attackers are with me. Knight Commander William, please provide support; all 75th Valkyrie Range Attackers and Range Support units are now under your command." Knight Commander William accepted the responsibility of leading both his own range and support units as well as those of Accel.

"I, Winchester, Knight Supreme Marshal of the 75th Valkyrie Vanguard and Frontline Attackers, declare a Command and Order!" This non-passive ability enhances the performance of different division groups and improves response times. It reduces unit confusion and fear in stressful situations, boosts obedience and command clarity, and provides a slight resistance to enemy intimidation or area-of-effect fear effects. "All of you! Charge!" With a commanding presence, Knight Supreme Marshal Winchester leads all the Vanguards and Frontline Attackers into battle against the Mutated Golem and its armies.